5, Shop around

Go through your car's running costs meticulously and see if you could make some savings. We've already touched on keeping it maintained, but using the main dealer is a costly way of doing so. Seek out a local garage that can keep your car in tip-top running order without an expensive plate glass dealership to pay for - the hourly rates will be significantly cheaper. Shop around for car insurance too; a few phone calls or research on the Internet could save you a fortune in premiums. Don't forget too that you'll be doing less mileage so put a cap on it with your insurers - it all helps. Throw out or sell the junk in your garage, and park your car in it, as once again it all helps on keeping insurance costs to a minimum.

If you've bought your car on finance shop around for a better rate of interest - but be sure you don't have any penalty charges to pay if you change your financing. Similarly, keep an eye on fuel costs; take advantage of deals local filling stations and supermarket forecourts offer. It'll soon become a way of life, and could ensure you keep motoring through these tough financial times.

Kyle Fortune